T

The Yogads are pre-colonial inhabitants of Echague, Isabela whose mother tongue is the Yogad language. The Ilocano migrations to Cagayan Valley and specifically to Echague, Isabela have resulted in the Yogads being outnumbered by the Ilocanos in an almost 2:1 ratio.

This study was conducted to assess if the Yogads are still proficient in their mother tongue. Thirty-one respondents, all residents of the Ugad region in Echague, participated in the mother tongue proficiency survey using a 10-point questionnaire.

Results show that despite the pervasiveness of Ilocano in Echague, the Yogads have remained steadfast in the use of their mother tongue. This finding has implications on the preservation of indigenous languages that may be threatened by extinction.